will i get any courgettes?

[manda74]

my courgettes have been flowering but then they have just fallen off, does this mean i won't get any as i thought the fruit grew out of the flower? sorry if this is a stupid question but its the first time i've tried them. thanks

[binley100]

There are two types of flower, male and female. The female ones have a swollen stem (a bit like a tiny Courgette) behind the flower, is it those that are falling off or is it the male ones without .

[Bramble_killer]

the first lot of flowers are normally male so wait for the next one. I've had lots of male flowers and can just about see the female ones.

The male flowers are needed to pollinate the female flowers but if there are no female flowers about to open then you can pick them off and eat the courgette flowers.

[selfraising]

I have a similar problem with my scallop pattipan. At the moment they seem to be all male flowers. Here's hoping the female ones start to open soon!

[vicky]

Also they tend to not set fruit early in the year so you'll often find the first courgette doesn't mature but just rots away, but the following ones should be fine!

[manda74]

thanks everyone i had no idea you got male then female flowers, i've learnt something new today isn't nature great. i'll have a look which they are.

[gojiberry]

I usually start with all male flowers but for some unknown reason this year I have females from the start. Should have first courgette in about a week.

Ian

[deltz]

I have also this year haven gotten many females first! The males are soon following